physical distance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physical distance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the actual physical distance between two objects or people, as opposed to a metaphorical distance or a figurative distance. For example, "We need to maintain physical distance of six feet in order to prevent the spread of infection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some grandparents are hands-on despite physical distance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The physical distance may merely mirror the human.

The New York Times - Books

"I wanted to convey that with the actual physical distance.

The New York Times

She added, "When privacy can't be achieved by physical distance, just pretend no one's listening.

The New York Times

Remoteness becomes less about physical distance from other places than what a city lacks.

The Guardian

Theirs was a long trip, but not just in physical distance.

The New York Times

The physical distance between us makes commitment seem much more final.

The New York Times

What matters is the closeness of the relationship, not the physical distance.

The Economist

Sliding partitions, rather than physical distance, were used more and more to differentiate living quarters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

My modest friendships with white students, limited by cultural and physical distance, did not extend beyond the school day.

The New York Times

Sympathy can be turned off by physical distance from the victims, as in aerial bombardment and remote-control warfare.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical writing, clearly define "physical distance" within the context of your study, as its interpretation may vary (e.g., Euclidean distance, geodesic distance).

Common error

Avoid using "physical distance" when you actually mean emotional or social distance. "Physical distance" refers to measurable spatial separation, while emotional distance relates to a lack of connection or intimacy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical distance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing the measurable space between two or more entities. As noted by Ludwig, it refers to the actual, measurable distance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physical distance" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the measurable space between entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used to describe the actual distance between objects or people. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "spatial separation" or ""geographic distance"" exist, "physical distance" is a clear and widely understood term. Remember to specify units of measurement for clarity and avoid confusing it with emotional or social distance. Overall, it is an important and effective tool for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

space between

A simple and direct way to express the separation.

spatial separation

Focuses on the spatial aspect of the distance.

geographic distance

Emphasizes the geographical aspect of separation.

actual distance

Highlights the factual measurement of the distance.

linear distance

Specifies the distance as a straight line.

interspatial gap

Uses more technical language to describe the space between objects.

separation range

Emphasizes the range of separation.

range of separation

Emphasizes the range in which separation occurs.

interval of space

Highlights the spatial interval.

clearance distance

Focuses on maintaining a safe separation.

FAQs

How do you use "physical distance" in a sentence?

You can use "physical distance" to describe the measurable space between two points or objects. For example, "The study examined the impact of "geographic distance" on trade relations" or "Maintaining a safe "clearance distance" from machinery is crucial for safety".

What is the difference between "physical distance" and "social distance"?

"Physical distance" refers to the measurable space between individuals, while "social distance" encompasses the broader concept of reducing close contact with others, often to prevent the spread of disease. Social distancing strategies can include increasing "space between" people, avoiding large gatherings, and working from home.

What are some synonyms for "physical distance"?

Alternatives for "physical distance" include "spatial separation", "geographic distance", or "actual distance". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "physical distance apart"?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "physical distance apart" can be considered slightly redundant because "distance" inherently implies separation. It's often more concise to simply say "physical distance".